***Arc 5 The One Who Obstructed, Chapter 94 Miss Look-Alike***
Arriving in Kielzaran does not mean entering from the front openly.
Jumping over the back wall, they first met up with the spy under Eluga.
With the spy guidance, they visited Roland's spy----Dagris.
At a corner of the red light district lined with brothels.
What Dagris specified was a brick apartment there.
Krische and the others walking in the red-light district with cloaks over their heads were obviously suspicious, but there were a certain number of people who did the same.
Don't pry into people like them, and don't get involved.
That's the basic rule of this town, and no one would involve themself just because someone was suspicious.
Krische was especially conspicuous from the outside, wearing a muffler that covered everything from her eyes down.
They visits one of the room in the apartments, careful not to be spotted, and removed it as soon as she was guided inside.
"It's suffocating, really."
"...Hmmm, I think it would be safer if Usa-chan always dressed like that when walking in places like this. So no one called out to her."
"Well, certainly..."
Mia smiled wryly in agreement, and Krische, who was slightly aware that she was being made a fool of by those words, puffed out her cheeks and glared at Kalua.
Kalua laughed and said 'don't get mad', and pulled Krische's cheeks from her back toward the front.
The room was a simple one-room apartment, seemingly a place only to sleep or rather it looked like more of a storehouse.
Blankets were on the floor, and medicine was on the shelves.
Various kinds of weapons such as knives and bows were leaned against the shelve.
The structure of the room itself seems to be reasonably sturdy, with thick doors and walls, and solid floorboards.
The back window leads to the back alley, and even if the enemy was waiting below, you can use the opposite wall to jump onto the roof.
One person was in the room.
He was a mature man of medium height and build, with no characteristic features or shape.
Watching Dagris sat on a barrel, Krische looked up at the ceiling and narrowed her eyes.
The echo of the sound----Although it was hidden by the seam, the ceiling, which was directly above the Eternal magic lamps, seemed to be a loophole to the upper floor.
If you pull on the Eternal magic lamps, the ceiling will come off along with the chain that connects it.
Krische was impressed by how much thought went into this.
"It's been a long time, Dagris-san."
"...Yeah. I heard about the overwhelming victory. It seems I was right about you."
The victory over the general of the west------Aurugorn Hilkintos has already been announced.
And the victory in the Dragon's Maw.
Everyone could not believe their ears at the rapid advance of the Krishtand army------which had lost their hero and was at disadvantage.
So did Roland, his former master.
However, Dagris was not surprised.
Because he already knew about the monster in the shape of a girl in front of him.
Though is logical mind told him that Christand's chance of victory was harsh, but it was in a way his instinct.
A part of Dagris, the beast part that remained in human, was convinced that she would win.
He spread his arms in amazement and took a breath.
"The letter I gave to Hilkintos was a forgery. Here is the real one that Roland sent out."
He then took the letter from his bag and tossed it to Krische.
Krische received the letter, opened it, lightly inspected the content, and handed it to Mia behind her.
"Also, I have compiled out Roland's bad deeds to some extent. I've given it to Earl Faren's spy, but..."
"Krische have heard it. It would be good if there's something like a ledger though."
"You can ask him for more later. If you hurt him lightly, he'll spit it out before you can cut off a finger. He's a bastard who's done well, but he's not used to violence.
Dagris said as if it were a simple matter, and Krische nodded as if it were a simple matter saying 'That's true'.
While Mia thought absentmindedly, she didn't want to be present during the torture.
Krische didn't feel guilty about hurting people. She's a young, cute and childish corps commander, but her head was crazy (illness, disease).
She could see her calmly skinning people alive.
"We will recover all of Roland's ostensible assets, but we can give you a reasonable amount of the various troublesome things. That's why------"
"I understand. Without hiding anything, let's properly investigate and confirm that area. ...Will you keep your promise?"
"Yes, as Krische said, Krische is not interested in your world. Krische doesn't care who you kill or who you kidnap, as long as you maintain a certain degree of moderation and do no harm to Krische as a result."
Mia looked sideways at Kalua, who reacted slightly.
A necessary evil------she can understand the reasoning.
The law is not omnipotent, and it was practically impossible to close all loopholes.
The country has no choice but to leave them alone.
If you carelessly put your hand in there, it will increase confusion, chaos will ensue, it will be out of control and you will not be able to hold the reins, it would be better to entrust the management and supervision of the such part.
That's what this deal was about, and she could understand that kind of reasoning, but Mia, who heard Kalua's story, felt indescribable.
Kalua, noticing her gaze, gave a wry smile and gently patted Mia on the head.
"Ah, right, right. How will the slaves at Roland's estate be treated?"
"Ah... well, they're not Roland's belongings, is it? The credit is held by someone else, and it's in the form of the slaves working (live in domestic service) in Roland's mansion. The creditors are scattered and somewhat troublesome but... what about it?"
"Nn...their treatment hasn't decided yet so. That would be troublesome."
Krische thought for a moment, and Dagris replied.
"If you say you have trouble deciding (because of uneasy conscience), I'll do some arrangements on my part. They are all good women. I have some idea of a conscientious shop, so if they work there for two or three years, it will somehow work out. It's not a huge amount of debt to begin with."
"Really?"
"Yeah, the debt is just a chain, the point is that they won't even be able to pay the interest if they're doing a proper job------that amount of debt is enough. The debts they owe are like insurance, so there will be individual differences depending on their ability, but the bigger the amount, the more the government will look at it, so most of them are not that much."
'The important thing is after that' he laughed.
"After that, you introduce them to a bastard like Roland for a job and have them work (live in domestic service) there. It is at that point that the buying and selling take place, but it has nothing to do with the amount of the debt. ...After using them like that, when they get old, they are just thrown out on the street. Or if you're conscientious, though, they can sometimes get their debt canceled too."
A conscientious shop, thrown out on the side of the road------an inn prostitute or a street whore.
While misunderstanding such secret words as literally, Krische showed moderate understanding and nodded as if she understood it. She didn't quite understand what was conscientious, and she took it for granted that if it's a store would be like in a tavern or a waitress.
Mia and the others obviously realized that Krishce had misunderstood, but did not interject.
Because they knew that she was not mistaken generally.
"Then I'll leave that part to you. ...And well, let's talk about the rest after it's over."
"That's good. Is it okay to start now?"
"Yes. It's always better to get the trouble over with as soon as possible."
"...Indeed"
'Kuku', Dagris nodded with a laugh.
"Then shall we go?"
"Oh, that's right. Dagris-san, right, is there a place around here that sells clothes? Something appropriate (random) for women.
"Yes, there is, but------"
As expected of a big merchant----the security was quite thick.
The basic structure consists of two guards at the main gate, the back gate, and the four towers built on the walls surrounding the mansion, and two guards in the hut-like guardrooms.
In the gardens, there were three pairs of guards patrolling in pairs.
At the roof of a private house----looking down from its shadow, Krische grasped the movement of their gaze.
"...They seem pretty good. They're also paying attention to the roof."
"There is no human who makes a living out of assassination and cannot handle magic. Of course, they wil be cautious."
Dagris answered Kalua's words.
"However, the two in the middle of the garden are the really skilled one. Speaking of the Hallza brothers, they are quite well known in this city."
The duo of magical power holders.
There are also two other people who appear to be like that, but they are a little inferior to the two in the center of the garden.
However, all of them, including those who couldn't use magic power, stood with a posture that showed their skill and were on their guard, not letting out even a single sigh of relief even in the moonlit night.
It was just as Kahlua said------the quality of the guards was not bad.
Bells were installed at each point, and there is nothing to block the view from tower to tower, and from tower to garden, so it's not bad for a defensive arrangement.
"Hmph. More importantly, you didn't bring any pawns with you?"
"If you act too openly, your reputation will be damaged. No matter what, Roland was my client... it would be troublesome if I used a pawn to betray him. Considering that there may leak, I'd be better off alone."
After saying that, she looked at Krishce.
"Besides, I don't feel the need. Here is Christand Headhunter-sama. Even if it's extremely difficult for me to do it alone, the young lady here can handle it alone. Right?"
"Right. After all, Mia and the others it's fine if you take a rest you know?"
"I would love to, but there's no way we can do that after coming this far, corps commander."
Mia said exasperated, and Bagu behind her laughed.
"Is this what's called ship already embarked? So, where is this bastard Roland?"
The 1st squad, the most elite of the Black Century.
However, the only ones who are completely calm are Kalua and Bagu, who are used to the unique atmosphere of the underworld.
Mia, Kels, and Adol, who have lived relatively upright lives, on the other hand, were somewhat nervous.
It's only natural for Mia, who was born as a farmer and has lived without fighting, while Kels and Adol, mainly earned money as bodyguards and caravan escorts, and only learned to attack after joining the Century.
Putting aside when they act as a unit as part of the military's actions, they can't be as usual in this different situation.
"Third floor, the second room from the right, probably. Considering the time he's probably playing with a women."
"That makes it easy."
Bagu told Krische after seeing all three other than Kalua.
"I feel a little bad for them since they're only doing their job, but we two can also kill them all."
"Hmm... that's right."
It was a word of concern for Mia and others who were not used to it, but Mia shook her head.
"No, it's okay if you don't mind us. After we've followed you, the three of us will take a look at the corridor. Then it will be as usual."
Krische looks at Mia then looked at Kalua.
Kalua nodded after thinking for a moment.
"I don't think the rest of them will come to us after they kill our best men in one breath. So we'll be taking their employer hostage."
"Well, as far as I'm concerned, I'd like to keep the deaths to a minimum. There's the aftermath after all."
Krische thoughtfully nodded at Kalua and Dagris' words.
Then she looked at one of the towers.
"First, we're going to target the two in the nearest southeast tower from here. Kalua, Bagu, can you go?"
"Okay, leave it to me"
"yes"
"Mia and the others are behind Krische appropriately (randomly, as you like). If anyone gets in the way, kill them."
"Roger"
Kalua and Bagu jumped down from the back and Kalua took off her cloak.
Inside was a simple white dress. She had bought it at a store earlier.
She tied her hair, which was usually tied high above her head, by the side of her neck, folded her overcoat, and draped it over her shoulders like a shawl.
It was enough to deceive people's eyes at night.
Her long eyes, straight nose, well-shaped eyebrows, and lips.
Even without lipstick, her lips were glossy, and Kalua transformed into the lady she looks like in one breath.
Her standing posture and her atmosphere were neat, dignified, and elegant.
Although Kalua was not a noble, she was originally born as the daughter of a wealthy village chief.
Her innate grace is certainly there, and her dexterity makes it easy to switch between the faces.
"...What are you doing, Bagu. Did you fall for me?"
"N-no, Ojou-sama..."
Bagu, who landed together, started to stiffen due to the change, but Kalua urged him to walk in front of her.
The legs slightly peeking out from her long-hemmed dress.
Her steps were graceful, and Mia, who was watching from above, felt a sense of defeat.
The usually a rough, sloppy, and random Kalua, but if she feel like it, she can be like this in no time.
The difference is obvious when compared to herself, who is a small village girl no matter how you look at it.
No matter what was said, in the end, Mia was a woman after all
Precisely because she was born in a rural village, she had a secret admiration for noble and elegant demeanor----like those of a princesses and young ladies.
That said, it was just a faint yearning to become like that.
Seeing her best friend, Kalua's sloppyness, there was a part oh her that was relieved thinking that 'normal women are like this', but seeing her now, she suddenly felt like being hang dry by her friends.
She had always felt that she was beautiful not only in her appearance, but also in her standing posture but also her occasional gestures.
However, when Kalua's ladylike, womanly figure was so blatantly displayed, she felt ashamed of herself who is a country girl no matter how one see it.
She had taken great care in her appearance and tried hard to be elegant secretly, so the betrayal of her best friend came as a great shock.
Krische looked at Mia with a sideways glance and compared her to Kahlua walking below and muttered,
"Mia is not only has a bad sleeping habit but also bad-mannered overall, so it might be a good idea to ask Kalua to teach her various things from now on."
"Ugh..."
"Look, she's usually carefree, but Kalua can do that much if she puts her mind to it, so Mia should try harder. Krische's mother said this. People who take courtesy and manners lightly will be seen lightly by others. It seems that class comes from the heart, so Mia should try to behave better than usual."
"Uuhh..."
The memory of being woken up by a back fist from slumber was still fresh in her mind.
Krische's follow-up blows, of retelling her mother's saying, were extremely effective for the shocked Mia.
"Kuku...... but she's quite good. I thought she was a simple soldier but seems she's a very versatile subordinate."
"Yes. Kalua is reasonably good at what she does, so Krische doesn't have to worry about her."
She's quick-witted and her skills are better than others.
Kalua is a talented enough person to 'somewhat fulfilling Krische's standard', and in that respect, she is trusted as a soldier next after Dagra.
As a commander, she would have some problems because she prefers to work on her own, but as a soldier, she was a head and shoulders above the rest, and even in personal relationship, she's likeable to Krische.
Krische honestly liked her.
"I see. So this time it's time to see your subordinate skill, huh."
The two naturally approached the mansion.
From the main street, they approached the southeast tower and took a side street, which led them a little closer to the wall.
The men standing guard on top of the tower didn't seem to care about Kalua, who looked like a young lady, and Bagu, her bodyguard, and didn't notice them enetring their blind spots.
When they were sure the guards didn't notice them, Bagu leaned back against the wall, folded his hands, and held them out in front of Kalua's feet.
"After you, Ojou-sama. Here are your feathered shoes."
"My, how kind of you."
Kalua smiled and put her foot on it and took a deep breath.
Bagu lifted her body in one go and throws Kalua over his head, and Kalua bent her body like a springs into the air.
From there, it happened in an instant.
Leaping silently to the top of the tower, Kalua wields her dagger and killed the two men in the blink of an eye.
She then pulled out the swords the corpses had at their waists and snatched them away,
"Usa-chan"
She then throw the short spear that was the corpse's hand into the air.
"yes"
----The one who grabbed it was a silver shadow that seemed to split the wind.
It was Krische, who, as if flying from the roof, had invaded into the wall at once.
Without any kind of advance arrangement, but as if it had been decided from the beginning.
Krische used her momentum to twist her body in the air as if that movement was a law.
Her target was one of the two men in the center of the garden.
She bend her back as gracefully as the waning moon and released from the drawn body bow was a deadly spear with the utmost inefficiency.
The initial velocity of the spear, which spiraled through the air, rivaled even the speed of the rushing sound.
The siege spear pierced through the body of the man who can't even react.
The man's well-trained body instantly turned to minced meat, and his whole body and organs were scattered.
Even after piercing the man, the spear gouged and smashed the stone pavement, and the other one who noticed it leaped as quickly as they could.
Even though his own brother, with whom he has spent many years together was instantly reduced to a lump of flesh and blood, he calmly reads the situation and pulls out his sword.
Then he caught sight of the attackers.
If there were ten of them, ten would probably die without understanding what had happened.
In such a situation, he instantly understood his critical situation and took action, a feat of mental strength and judgment made possible by his experience and acumen in passing through numerous deadly situations.
It was the crystallization of skills that only a handful of people in the underworld possess and what should be called supreme treasures.
----But that was all he could do.
In his final moments, all he could see were the cold, shining purple eyes and the gleam of a twisted, obscene curved sword------heralding his inescapable death.
Krische spun around behind the man with blood blooming from his neck.
She then released the sword she had pulled from the corpse and threw it through the air.
The blade, accelerated by centrifugal force, severed the legs of the man who was coming toward her, and Krische stepped toward the remaining one.
With the naturalness of a mowing agrass, she swung her curved sword and cut off her neck to take his life.
It was so extraordinary that those who watched forgot to blink.
The guard of the mansion, seeing the slaughter, forgot to ring the bell and knew that the assailant was a monster they could not stand against.
Dagris and Mia and the other finally landed behind her, slightly wary of those who stared at Krische dumbfounded.
"Dagris, inside the estates is?"
"... Roland won't let the escorts inside unless he has some business."
Dagris felt a chill run down his spine, but on the other hand, he exuded joy.
Serving was under her------because he was convinced that the choice was right.
A being that cannot be touched and cannot be threatened by anyone.
Her power was mythical, not something that can be reached by mortal man.
His recent defeat.
His own physical decline was not worth considering.
She is the Absolute, and there was no room for Dagris, who is a human being to defy her to begin with.
Although he was hesitant to betray his client out of a sense of professional ethics, but he rejoiced above all in his good fortune that he accepted his defeat without going against his instincts.
Walking before him was a dragon-like creature in the form of a girl.
She will took up her sword even against a storm as if nothing could stand against her.
That's what she was.
"Mia, from the hallway. Krische goes through the window."
"yes"
"I'll follow from the window. It would be easier for Roland to understand the situation."
Krische nodded and leapt.
She puts her feet on the slight bumps in the wall and her cloak fluttered like wings.
Twisting in mid-air, she kicked the bay window with his heel and stepped inside------
"W-Who...!?"
A questioning voice.
Was he just about to change into his clothes when he heard the sound coming from outside?
There was a man in the room who was grabbing his underwear and pants, exposing his flabby, flaccid naked body.
And another, also in revealing black underwear, covering her body with a sheet as she screamed cutely at the intruder.
Elvena was there.
"Ah, so Elvena is here too."
Paintings and vases of art decorated the room, and a fire gleamed from the fireplace.
Krische reflects on herself that he might have hurt Elvena, as the broken pieces were scattered on the side of the bed with a canopy.
The two were perplexed by the very natural Krische.
Krische remained calm even after seeing Roland's shriveled and ugly things.
Krische checked to make sure there were no other people in the room and smiled.
"Long time no------hmm... no, short time no see. We just met previously after all."
"The Christand's..."
Roland, who had been frozen by the situation, put on his underwear as if he had just remembered.
Krishce tilted her head at the sight of Roland putting on his underwear, and not even picking up a sword in such a situation, but thought whatever and started talking.
Just then, Dagris followed from behind.
"You are......!"
"I'm sorry, but that's how it is. Your letter is on Krische-sama."
"This traitor! ...how much do you think--Ah!?"
Krische approached casually and grabbed Roland's neck on the bed.
She then slammed his huge body against the carpeted wooden floor.
A scream echoed.
While staring coldly at Rolando's fainting in agony------with a somewhat satisfied expression, she let the point of her curved sword run down his slackened neck.
"...as long as they are neutral, as long as what they do is legitimate as a business deal, it's hard to get rid of merchants. But not this time. ...You threw away the neutrality that you should have as a merchant and joined His Royal Highness as a military intelligence agent. The result is the death penalty for you."
"Cough, W-wait... there's a reason for that-"
"Don't worry. Krische isn't going to kill you here and now. This is an execution, so we will interrogate you, torture you, listen to what you have to say, and then decapitate you in the town square. You will be allowed to live a little longer."
Krische smiled and traced her own lips with her fingertips.
"Mmm, Krische wants to finish the matter before Selene arrives, so you be executed tomorrow. Relax. The torture that the military will be leading will be very extensive, and Krische will help you o that you can speak honestly. You can take some time to rest. Krische wants to sleep at night too after all."
"Hie!!!"
The silver-rimmed purple eye narrowed.
Today was a really good day and tomorrow will be even better.
The man who made Bery uncomfortable can be killed in the name of justice.
Bery would never see this man again, not even by accident.
And best of all, she could do it without Berry knowing it.
The gentle Berry will be saddened that Cliche would do such a thing.
But if she didn't know, she will remain as usual.
Unbeknownst to Berry, one unpleasant thing disappears from the world she liveb in, and it becomes just a little bit cleaner.
This was basically 'cleaning'.
It is good to keep dirt and debris clean out of sight, and cleaning is something you do naturally.
There was no need to think about whether it is good or bad.
This was a job that should be done by the military Krische, and it was a punishment that leaves no room for personal feelings.
"Dougris, who is the appropriate (random) witness?"
"That would be Elze. He's Kielzaran's first legal officer. He's a man who has a relationship with Roland, so it would be good to threaten him."
A town and a village------ One of the big differences was the existence of a judicial system.
At least one law-expert government official elected from the nobility resided in the city.
The law officer with the First in front of the title is at top of the city's judicial system.
He was the perfect witness to torture.
"Nn... Krische's sorry Krische surprised Elvena a little. Um, there are other people coming, so it's better to wear clothes but..."
"Ah, um... circumstances, I understand, but..."
Like Roland, Elvena, who was at the height of confusion, finally understood the situation.
However, it was only natural that once she understood it, more questions would arise.
"In that case, we..."
She looked at Krische anxiously as she hugged the sheets.
Krische didn't seem to be the same person as the girl Ishesaw the other day, but the girl had the same soft smile as she had the other day.
"It's a bit of a difficult question, but------"
"Usa-chan, is it here?"
The doorknob turned lightly, but there was the metallic sound of a lock blocking it.
An irritating clattering sound, followed by silence and then a blow.
The sturdy door was kicked down.
"... Geez, Kalua. What would you do if the Corps Commander was behind the door?"
"Usa-chan will be fine. ...is it over?"
"Yeah, this is the Roland we're going after. After this, take him with us and we're done."
"That so. It doesn't look like anyone is approaching. Well, it can't be helped if you see that."
Kalua looked at Krische in amazement, then to Roland who rolled over.
Her eyes narrowed in disdain, then onto the bed.
It was directed at Elvena, who held the sheet to her chest and hides her body.
"Ah, I'm sorry. It'll be over soon, so be quiet----"
She stopped mid-sentence.
And her eyes widened and stiffened----so did Elvena.
"Nee...san?"
The two faces mirrored each other.
Surprise appeared on each other's faces, and Mia and the others were at a loss for words when they compare their faces, and even if they don't know Kahlua's circumstances, they immediately understood their relationship.
"What's wrong? Kalua"
Comparing their faces again, as expected it was a rarely seen miss look-alike.
'Coincidence is a terrifying thing, and Krische should be careful not to mistake someone else' ----Only Krische, who was impressed, tilted her head curiously and stared at Kalua.
